Spain: Corruption scandal suspect is a flight risk

The Associated Press

Posted:
02/25/2013 12:04:13 PM PST

Updated:
02/25/2013 12:04:14 PM PST

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Former Popular Party's treasurer, Luis Barcenas, centre, arrives at his apartment surrounding by media after testifying at the National Court in Madrid, Spain, Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. Spain's governing Popular Party insists its financial accounts are totally legal and denies a newspaper report of regular under-the-table payments to leading members, including current Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. The scandal first broke when after the National Court reported that former party treasurer Luis Barcenas amassed an unexplained euro 22 million ($30 million) in a Swiss bank account several years ago.

MADRID—A judge has ordered the former treasurer of Spain's ruling party to surrender his passport and stay in the country.

Judge Pablo Ruz issued the order after former Popular Party Treasurer Luis Barcenas answered questions in court Monday about his Swiss bank account with about $30 million.

Barcenas has said he earned it via business investments separate from the finance job he held for years with the party. But Ruz said in court documents there are indications Barcenas could have committed crimes and must stay in Spain while under investigation because he makes frequent trips abroad.